Congress optimistic of 'grand alliance' in UP, says Raj Babbar
Undeterred by the BSP's recent alliance in Chhattisgarh and declaration of seats for Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar has said that his party is "optimistic" of a grand alliance in the state for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He also said that people want the opposition to contest the General Elections in Uttar Pradesh together. Here's more.
Babbar says opposition parties have to contest polls unitedly
"In the present scenario, irrespective of the party (in the opposition) and pressures they might be having from their voters, we have to unitedly contest the Lok Sabha polls," Babbar said. "In the Lok Sabha elections in UP, I'm optimistic of a grand alliance... Lok Sabha elections are at the national level and there are only two forces," the UP Congress chief added.
Only two ideologies at the national level: Babbar
"I'm not saying that there are only two parties, but there are only two ideologies. One is of Gandhiji on which the Congress runs...other is of the RSS," Babbar said, claiming the RSS was searching for credibility since 1924 and has no identity. "They are having a majority government but still Hindus and Muslims are being made to realize their differences," he added.
Babbar says Rahul Gandhi was not invited for RSS event
Referring to a three-day conclave by RSS at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi, Babbar alleged the Sangh misused the government and for the first time Vigyan Bhavan was used for a non-government programme. "It's a big lie that they did not take anything from the BJP but only gave advice," he said. He also claimed Congress President Rahul Gandhi wasn't invited for the RSS event.
Threat being posed by BJP; have to face unitedly: Babbar
Babbar said, "A threat is being posed to all of us (by the BJP). We have to face it unitedly." Last week, BSP chief Mayawati held both the previous UPA government and BJP responsible for the rise in fuel prices, taking Congress by surprise. On open criticism of Congress by Mayawati, Babbar said, "The BSP is a party, it might have an opinion."
Shouldn't point fingers at each other at this juncture: Babbar
"At this juncture, we should not point fingers at each other as people have a lot of expectations from us. We have to fulfill them unitedly," Babbar said. The actor-turned-politician said it was easy for him to respond but in such a situation he did not want to do it and said many a time silence was also a response.
Will contest polls with full strength: Babbar
On the Congress's preparations for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Raj Babbar said, "Our party is mass-based party and we are there for them at the time of their need. We will contest polls with full strength."
